14. Dakota Allen, LB, Texas Tech: What? A Texas Tech defensive player? Yep, and he’s bonafide. The former “Last Chance U” star is a do-it-all monster for a Red Raiders’ defense that was an improved unit from 2016. As the “Will” in Tech’s 4-2-5, Allen gave the Red Raiders a little run defense, a little pass defense and some disruption (six turnovers forced, 16 total pressures). Perhaps no individual impact player meant more to one side of the ball than Allen given Texas Tech’s history of defensive futility.

Quarterback Competition.ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg looks at the quarterback competitions across this great land, including Texas Tech:

What to watch: Despite Texas Tech’s uptick on defense, Kliff Kingsbury always asks a lot of his quarterback and will hold a true competition beginning this spring. Carter struggled in his lone start against Texas last season but has the experience edge entering the spring. Duffey, who attempted just two passes last season, is a dual-threat player who counters his lack of size with other strengths. Bowman, an early enrollee, might be a factor here if Carter and Duffey don’t show obvious separation.